LIVE at 3 PM: USDA Press Conference On "Pink Slime"

Ongoing controversy about lean finely textured beef (LFTB), which some media outlets have called "pink slime," has caused some confusion among consumers. LFTB is simply beef that has been separated from the fat in beef trimmings. Trimmings are chunks of meat that result when large carcasses are broken down into steaks, roasts and other cuts.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack addresses the misinformation and clarifies facts regarding Beef Product Inc. and lean finely textured beef. Nearly 600 BPI employees lost their jobs this week as BPI was forced to close three plants that produces LFTB.